Medical expense help sought for dog shot in face

A dog that was shot in the face, leaving a bullet lodged in its snout, received treatment Monday at an Alliance animal hospital, and Operation Warm & Cozy’s Julie Tripodi is looking for donations to help the organization cover the expense.

Times Reporter

Writer

Posted Jan. 22, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jan 22, 2013 at 10:04 PM

Posted Jan. 22, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jan 22, 2013 at 10:04 PM

A dog that was shot in the face, leaving a bullet lodged in its snout, received treatment Monday at an Alliance animal hospital, and Operation Warm & Cozy’s Julie Tripodi is looking for donations to help the organization cover the expense.

Gus, a 2-year-old boxer/shepherd mix, was shot Friday when he wandered onto a neighbor’s property and the dog had not received medical attention as of Sunday. The dog was shot with a .22 from about 10 feet away. The incident took place at a residence just outside of New Philadelphia. The owner of the dog agreed to let OWC seek medical attention for the dog and also is giving it up for adoption. Tripodi took the dog Monday to West End Animal Hospital in Alliance, where it received emergency care from Dr. Jeffrey Baranack.

OWC is accepting monetary and food donations. Donations may be dropped off at Nutrition Center, 132 N. Broadway in New Philadelphia. Monetary donations also will be accepted on www.operationwarmncozy.com through the organization’s PayPal account found on the “DONATION” page.

Tripodi stressed it is important for dog owners to keep track of their animals.

“The dog was getting loose and running up and chasing a neighbor’s animals,” said Tripodi. “It’s important for owners to keep a dog on a leash.”

Gus was treated and is on antibiotics. He was to stay overnight at the hospital. Doctors left the bullet in his snout because they were afraid it might cause internal injuries. “We have a dog who needs an immediate foster family,” said Tripodi. “He’ll be neutered and vaccinated. He’s a great dog and is house trained.”

Tripodi said cost of the operation will put OWC’s funds at a dangerously low amount and says the organization needs support from the community to go forward with the dog’s operation.

“We’ll have close to $1,000 in cost for all the X-rays and treatment,” said Tripodi. “Any donations will be greatly appreciated.”